Messi's farewell match sparks controversy: Did the Benin clash turn into a showcase?

The friendly match between Argentina and Benin, scheduled for early Wednesday, is generating significant controversy ahead of its kickoff, as it will be Lionel Messi's last appearance in an Argentina shirt. There are criticisms regarding the circumstances surrounding the match and its sporting value.

As the clash garners massive public and media attention in Argentina, some Benin players seem more preoccupied with the symbolic aspect of the match than the competition itself. Defender Mohamed Tijani, who was seen holding a gift he bought from a souvenir market in Buenos Aires, said: "We don't need to keep an eye on Messi. We will just enjoy the match. There is no special strategy to defend against him; I just want to enjoy playing and see him and tell him: Messi, you are amazing. He is the best in the world."

Benin's goalkeeper Marcel Danginouno spoke about the upcoming match, confirming his desire to defend for his national team. However, he also revealed that all the players are eager to get a Lionel Messi shirt, stating that the team hopes to provide a large number of shirts so that each player can have one.

The Argentine Football Association faced criticism for organizing the match quickly after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international play, in an attempt to give him a farewell worthy of his career. 80,000 tickets for the Monumental Stadium were sold within minutes, while the number of people wanting tickets for the match exceeded 500,000, with some ticket prices reaching around 1,000 euros.

According to reports, the Argentine Football Association will retain all match revenues while covering travel and accommodation costs for the Benin national team. This comes as part of a series of friendly matches that Argentina has played against lower-ranked teams, which generate significant financial returns for the association.

Criticism has increased following the recent match between Argentina and Burkina Faso, which ended in a crushing 7-0 victory for Argentina. Argentine media reported on difficult organizational conditions, including Burkina Faso's arrival in Argentina just five hours before the match, as well as suffering from fatigue and time zone differences, in addition to fielding an under-23 team.

Concerns have resurfaced ahead of the match against Benin, following reports of a 23-hour flight in economy class and logistical issues at the team's accommodation, including a lack of hot water, a broken sauna, and incomplete arrival of some equipment. However, the Benin goalkeeper denied these reports, stating: "We have not faced any problems. We are fine here in Buenos Aires, and we have received good conditions."

All eyes are on Messi's farewell rather than the competitive value of the match, which is expected to be a celebratory night. However, the circumstances surrounding the match raise questions about whether it represents a genuine international fixture or merely a grand farewell party for the Argentine star.